First-ever Run MS, A Cinco de Mayo 5K, comes to Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

EAST HARTFORD – Cinco de Mayo is traditionally recognized as a holiday commemorating Mexican liberty and independence, but on the fifth of May this year, hundreds of Connecticut residents will be coming together to celebrate a different kind of freedom, a world free of MS.

Run MS, A Cinco De Mayo 5K, the first-annual 5K run put on by the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter will be held on Saturday, May 5 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

This year’s 5K aims at bringing the community together to raise money and awareness about multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease in which there is presently no cure.

“A 5K run is one of the only types of events that we haven’t held yet,” said Rebecca Shulman, event coordinator for the National MS Society. “We are so excited to start the new tradition of Run MS. This is just another vehicle to raise awareness for MS.”

Run MS will feature a 5K course within the stadium grounds, a post-run Cinco de Mayo themed Fun Run for kids and amateur runners, vendors, Mexican fanfare such as sombreros and maracas, music and light refreshments.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. The 5K run starts at 9 a.m. and the Fun Run, a half K run around the stadium, will follow shortly after at 10 a.m.

Cash prizes of $50, $25, or waived fee for next year’s Run MS Event will be given out to the top three men and women to finish the race.

The registration fee for the 5K is $30, or $35 the day of the event. The Fun run will include a $5 pre-registration fee or $10 to sign up the day of.

Participants are encouraged to fundraise on their own or form teams, and everyone who participates will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Runners who collect a minimum of $100 by April 18 will also receive a custom-ordered moisture wicking T-shirt.

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents currently live with the effects of multiple sclerosis. The cause is unknown and there is currently no cure. Symptoms can include anything from numbness in the limbs, difficulties in vision or speech, stiffness, and in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity and symptoms vary from person to person and cannot be predicted.

Run MS, A Cinco De Mayo 5K, sponsored by EMD Serono, will take place on Saturday, May 5 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. Funds raised through Connecticut Chapter events, such as Run MS, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure.

For more information or to register for Run MS, or to learn more about multiple sclerosis, visit ctfightsms.org.

4/11/12